Go-cart.



r unirsi) s'rArns: PATT .oirFioii.

FRANK r. riMMERrioFF, oF ELKHRT, INDIANA 1 1 yoo- C/irrr.

' Specification of Lettersv Patent.` ippiaaion nea November. i905. sean No. 285.442..

Patented Dec. 2li,

To cil/ ZZ whom it* .rita/y concern: y Be it known that LFRANK F. Timmie- HoFF a citizen of the United States, residin at Elkhart, in the county of Elkhart and` Stateof Indiana, have yinvented certain new` and useful Improvements. in Gro-Carts, of which' the yfollowing isa specific-ation.

This invention relates to baby-carriages of thetype generallydesignated as foldin gocarts, ,the purpose being to provide a vevice of this character involving a novel general structurel resulting in extreme simplicity,I stability of arrangement, and safety when 1n actual use, and which will be easy of operation both in the folding and tlieunfolding.

further purpose-of the invention is i to enable-the go-cart to be adjusted from an u right to a, reclining position, so that the chi d maysit up, recline, or lieflat, as upon a bed; For a full-description of the invention and the merits thereof andV also to acquire a knowledge of thedetails of. construction of the means for effecting the result reference is to be had to the following description and ac companying drawings.

- `While the invention may be adapted different forms `and conditions by changes in thestructui'e andminor details without departingfroni the spirit or essential features thereof, still the lpreferred embodiment is shown inthe accompanying drawings, in vwhich'- l Figure y.1 is a sidev .view `of a; go-cart embodying Athe invention,A the crib attachments being shownlin position by dotted lines, as also the wheels. Fig. 2 is a front vview of the `go-cart, the upper portion of the handle-bars being broken away andthe wheels being omitted.. Fig. 3 is 'a erspective view of the go-cart as seen from t e rear. Fig. 4 is a detail perspective view of the rear iron, to which a handle-bar is pivotally connected; Fig. 5

isadetailperspectiveview of the iron or bracket-clip, to which the front end of a side `wheel-Support is journaled. l Fig. 6 is a destrength .of structure.

tical, portion 13 is formed with an. ope' toreceive the journal or terminal portionv The framework of their 2 and 3. Side frames-are-journaledtothe longitudinal bars 1 i and `constitute wheel,- supports. Each side frame or Wheelsupportconsists of a longitudinal bar 5, pendent bars 6,` and a brace 7. Spindles 8 project U-gearcoinpriseslongitudi'nal'bars 1 endend cross-barsl outward from the lower'ends ofl the pendent bars l6l and receiveI the usual supportingwheels. tudinal bars 5 project beyond the respective The terminal portions of thelongif pendent ybars 6to provide journals-whichobf tain a bearing in bracket clips or irons. vatv tached to the longitudinal bars 1.I The brace 7 in .addition tol serving as a stay for a side'y frame orwheel-.support also acts as part of a trip device to effect-unfolding of the wheel-supports -When it isrequired to place the device in condition 'for actual service. Flat bars `are preferably employed in the constructiony of the side frames orwheel-sup# ports and are arranged with their :greatest width in the plane of motion of the device so as to resist strain, enable.- the parts to fold compactly, and to reduce the Weight,I while at the lsame time attaining ainaximum f.l

The upperends of the pendent bars 6 arebent; as shown at l.9, to enga e over the upper edges of the longi.' tudinal ars 5 andto ear against the lower edges of the longitudinalibars 1, so as to steady and materially assist iniixingthe position of the side frameswhen turnedinto vertical position. Wear-plates 10 are fitted to thelower edges of the ars 1 for thent ends 9 of the bars-6 to rub and bear ag st, thereby preventing y'marring y and we'arin away' of the. bars 1l by repeated folding an unfolding of the side frames. z Each front bracket-clip A consists of a clip 11 vandbear- 'ing 12. Theclip 11 embraces four sides of the i i longitudinal lbar 1 and is ,folded orotherwise fastened thereto, the terminal portions. of the plate or blankfrom which theclip is formed embracin opposite edge portionof said bar 1.- The caring 12 consists offvertical portions. 13 and 14 and `a horizontal'.

part "'15, said f arts consisting of. a strip projecting from t the form substantially as shown, the vertical' the.clip- 11 `and secured therein.- The ver.

e plate or'blank and bent into portion 14 terminating in a tonguewhich is .i lfitted into anopening in the lower side of of the ear 16 when the tva as a stop and as a brace for the part 13, so as to form a substantialv bearing.

bracket-cli A ther-essential difference bein-vf 7 h 1n a rear extension .of the outer member of the clip, as shown at 16, to provide supporting means fora handle-bar 21 pivotally connected thereto; prises 'clip 17 and bearing 18, said parts being constructedin a like manner to the corresponding parts 1l and 12 of the bracket-clip A. he rear extension 16 of the braclretclip B constitutesan ear whichis pierced to receive the means pivotally connecting a handle`-bar thereto. This ear is likewise formed in an opening 19 to receive the lockbolt 20, by means of which the handle-bar is secured When unfolded and arranged for actual service.

The handle-bars 21 are connected at their upper ends by means of a cross-bar 22 and near their lower ends by means of a cross-bar 23. A rod 24 serves to plvotall connect the handles-bars to the ears 16 of t e respective bracket-clips B. The lock-bolts 20`are spring actuated and are mounted in atube 25, supported at its ends in the handle-bars. Finger-y ieces 26 project from the inner ends of' the ook-bolts 2O and operate in slots formed in a side of the ,tube 25. Fingenpieces 2 6 are arranged close togetherto admit of both lockbolts being simultaneously operated by one hand. The outer ends of the lock-bolts are adapted to pass through the openings handle-bars are turned to cause said lock-bolts to register with the said openings, thereby securin01 the handle-bars when moved to proper osition after being unfolded. Clips 27 are' tted to the lower ends of the handle-bars and are provided with `forwardly-extended lips 28.

to embrace opposite sides of the rear pendent bar 6, so as to'materially assist in securing the side frames or wheel-supports when unfolded. Y` j Side bars 29 are pivotally connected at their rear ends to the-handle-llars and normallyoccupy a horizontal position when the o-cart is adjusted for service. Vertical bars 30 are pivetallly connected to the longi- 'tudinal' bars 11 at "a'point lbetween their ex* tremity andlia've their up connected to the front en s oftheside bars 29. `A horizontal bar 31 connects the lower ends of the vertical bars 30 and ipreferably consists of @n integral part thereo the bars 30 and 31 being portions of a singlebar having its end portions bent about at' a right angle in the same direction. A brace 32 connects' the 'vertical bars 30 intermediate of theiru per' ends andtheir pivotal connection with t4 e longitudinal bars 1 and serves to strengthen said vertical bars' and enable /themto resist 'the strain to which theyv arel bar 31 constitute The bracket-clip B' com-y the go-cart is er ends pivotally the cross-bar 2.

eaaaeo subjected when the device if in o eration. While any means may be employe( for connecting the vertical bars 30 to the longitudi nal bars 1, it is preferred to employ a rod 33, which also serves as a tie for connecting the longitudinal bars 1 and bracing the saine lat* orally. The vertical bars 30 and horizontal parts of a pivoted frame, which in conjunction. with the side bars 29 support the body of the go-cart. Clips 34 areattached toy the vertical bars 3() and are adapted to embrace the braces 7 and secure the side frames when turned into vertical po sition. The pivoted frame is utilized as means for tripping the'side frames or wheelsupports both in the folding and the unfolding of the go-cart. When folded, the side frames occupy an a proximately horizontal position or ie in p anes parallel with each other and with the plane of the framework of the running-gear. When unfolding the gocart, the lower portion of the pivoted frame strikes the braces 7 and causes the side franes to turn .downward and outward, the lower portion of the pivoted frame comin y between the braces 7 and preventing inwar displacement thereof. When folding the gooart, the lowervportion of the pivotcd arm comes in contact with trips 35, projected inf Ward from the longitudinal bars 5 of the side frames. The trips 35 consist of short rods or bars rigidly-connected in. any manner t'o the bars 5. One of the tri is 35 1s set in advance.` of the other to admit o folding before the other. so as to revent interference ofthe two frames, Whic i would occur if both folded inward simultaneously.

The body of the go-cart comprises the back 36, seat 37, and foot-rest 3S. Flexible side pieces 39 connect the seat 37 with the side` ars 29, being attached to the latter by rivets or other suitable fastening means. The foot-rest 38 is connected to the front of the seat 37 by means of an apron 4U, of textile or other flexible material, to admit of' the parts readily folding. End pieces 41 connect the ends of the foot-rest with the extremities of the apron 40. Loops 42 ypendent from the lower side of the foot-rest and arranged near the ends thereofembrace the cross-bar 2v and a transverse rod 48, which is supported at its ends by the longitudinal bars 'l adjacent to The loops 42 admit of the foot-rest having alimited movement, While at the same time providing positive connection between said foot-rest and the runninggear to insure folding and unfolding of said foot-rest. ,The back 36 is loosely connected to the seat 37 to admit of its folding and adjustment. The back may be su )ported either b ymeans vof a strap 44 or a `)ar 45. The stra 44. has adjustable connection at its ends with loops 46, attached to the rear portion of the side bars 2), and by lengtheningand shortening said straps the inclination of one of the side frames I OO .cameo i the'back may be regulated... The bar`45'is f ivotally connected midway of its vends tothe ack, and its end portions are given va partial twist and bent, as-shown'at 47, so asi toA extend over-and embrace the sidebars 29 and prevent the latter from spreading andat the same time supporting the back inv an upright position. When the gocartjis reduced vto a compact for by beingfo'lded, the seat overo laps the footLrest and the back and side aline.l

A safety-strap 48 serves to hold` l,thechild'l ,upon the seat in the usual'manner'.

zo ter` consisting of textile or other flexible ma terial riveted or otherwise attached at its upper edge tothe bow and at its lower ed e to the bottom- 50. The side'members o the' bow 49 are provided at their free ends with z 5 pendent hooks v52, which are adaptedl to--engageunder the outer ends of thef side bars 29 lto hold the attachment in position', the inner ends of said side members overlappingand resting' upon the upper edges of the side'bars 3o 29 or the .connecting means between said" side bars 2 9 and the'vertcal bars 30. When the go-cart is folded, -theattachment maybe disconnected and placed upon the body."

The attachment may beeasily and'quickly 351 placed in position or removed, as may be re quired.

A goecart embodying the inventionv in# 'volves an extremelyr simple construction and may be quickly folded and unfolded and when in condition for use is'pressed in a man-- ner to secure rigidity and prevent accidental collapsing by reason of insufficient staying means for the folding side frames or wheelsupports. A handle 53 is mounted upon the transverse rod 43 and consists of a bail and assists materially in the folding and unfolding of the device and may be used as convenient means for carrying the same when folded or for drawing the go-cart when it may be' desired to pull instead of push the device'.

,Having thus described the invention, what is claimed as new is 1. In a folding go-cart, the combination ofY t'he 'running-gear framework, handle bars 55 pivotally connected to said framework, side bars having'pivotal connection with the handlelbars, .vertical bars pivotally connected to the aforesaid framework and to the side bars,

a body attached directly to and suspended from said side bars,and afoot-rest having connection wit .bar of the framework.

2. In a folding go-cart, `the combination of the running-gear framework, handlebars pivotally connected to said' framework, side the seat and with a cross-y thev aforesaid framework and totheside ba vwith said side bars and1 support t-he bac upright position.

' the aforesaid framework and tojtheside b` lbent to engage over and embrace the said .bars having pivotal connection with .thehani (le-bars, vertical bars pivotally connectedto-y the aforesaid framework and'to the side bars,

a body comprising abottoin'A and sides,`the l latter having directconnection with s aidsi'de 7o bars, a back connected withfthe rear of the bottom to` turn to, any angular adjustment# means for securingsaid backto the sidebars* in an adjustedposition, vanda foot-rest'connected with the front of said bottom'to movev 7 5 therewith and to turn independently thereof Y. 3. In a folding go-cart, the combinationof the running-gear framework, -"'handle`^`` bars pivotally .connected l.to said framework,-vf sidef bars hang pivotal connection with thehan-fi'o dle-bars, vertical bars pivotally 'connectedfto a body suspended from" said side 'bar 'sifd'l comprising an adjustable back andfa lo' yl .mi

mounted foot-rest, and a strap Qrli'ke 'rieaiisfg for adjustably supportingsaid backendI n?" Vnected at its' ends with thesidel bar slflioii'i which the body isisuspended. 1 I

4.' In a' folding go-cart, vthe combinationof the' runninggear framework, handleebars'igo pivotallyfconnected to said framework, sideV y barshaving pivotal connection with the haiidie-bars, vertical bars pivotally connected to .the afwegen frameworkand to the side bars, i

a body suspendedkfrom said sidefbars and-;l` comprising an'adjustable back .and a-loosely-',

, mounted foot-rest, and a'bar pivoted between its ends to said back and adaptcdfto en age' 5. In a folding goecart, the, combinati no the runninggear framework-handle b'afrsl pivotally connected to said framework; 's idc bars having pivotal connection'with the handie-bars, vertical barspivotally' conne'@dell' .tjo-,fY 105 a -body suspended from said"sidefbarsandA comprising an adjustable back and a looselyv mounted foot-rest, and a bar pivoted to the' back between its ends and having the latter side bars tov prevent outward displacement thereof and to support the back in upright position.

6. In a o-cart or like structure, the combination ofg side bars, a body suspended therefrom, and an attachment removably. f-1cen nectedwith said side bars and comprising a supporting-frame and a body portion, said supporting-frame `having side members to engage with the Iaforesaid lside bars and pendent hooks to vengage under said side bars to support the attachment in proper position.

7 In a go-cart or like structure,` the conibination of the running-gear framework, side framesor wheel-supports journaled to the longitudinal bars yof said framework, a pivotedframe supporting .the body and cons'tituting'a trip to effect folding and unfolding` of the side frames, said pivoted frame coming 13o TCO' rio

izo'

. tions, one of which has ano between the; :folding side -freines en'dserving to prevent inward when seid side fremesere unfolded..

8. In e o-crt or like structure, the' c ^nbinetion o the rirnni-ng-gear'f`ro;rnework,.side frames or Wheel supports jcurnele'd. tor .the

longitudinal bers/of seid frm'nework, a, ;p'iv

oted freine' supporting the ybodyy and consti'tuting. .el tri ing of the sie e frames, seidpivoted. frame coming between' the folding?,r side'fra-mes-fand servincr @to prevent finwerd' displacement` thereo When seid side freniesere unfolded,

and clips extended from the -pivoted frame to embrace a portiony of the folding. fi-eines to prevent outward displacement thereof.

9. Ine goecart ,or Elike structure, the combination of the .runningegeer framework, folding side fra-mes, eaclrconsist-ingof a longi- 1 tudinal ber and .pendent bars, albi-neoconnectir'ig one of-I the pendent bars with the lonfritudinel bar, y o. pivote-frame snpporting hebbody and acting'esal. trip to elect folding and unfolding yof seid frainesland adapted to come .between the `:braces thereof, and 'cli-ps extended from said.. pivotedA frames to embrace the outer sides ofsaid :brac-es :to -frevent outward .displacement yof the 4fol ing frames.

10. In efolding. goecart or .the likerthe combination with the 'runningegearframe- Work and-folding side frames,l of irons or bracket-clips for said folding frames, each con'iprising.;r a clip enden :integral pendent bearing, the latter embodying-.spacedsporf penring to--receive l the journelof the folding fremeond the other constituting e-stop to engage with the eX- tremity of said journal.

11. In. a'fold'ng goecert'or the like, the combination of the framework, e folding side frame, and .en iron :orbracket-clip. therefor, the seme consisting ofeelip yenden. integral dis laceinent fthereof.

to effect folding .and unfold-vl `:ment when unfolded,

'supports to bearing, the letter comprisingfepficed portions, the extremity -ofone4 ofseid. portions tenminatingine tongue Wliichforms connecting-means between .itnnd-the body of the eli 12. lne-folding go-cartleind thelike,. the combination ofaJ framework, o. folding; freine, lpivoted -halndleebera end en iron comprising 'a clip fitted to e ber of the fremeworkfn.

jbeerin y'portion in 'which the folding .freine ie 'ourno ed, and an. extension to which the andle-ber is, voted.

1.3. In. e fo ding. go-cart, the combinetion of a; framework, folding Wheel-Supports, hem 4dle-loars I- ivotafllyconnectedtto seid. freine Work. and.l adopted to effect foldingimd `unfolding of thef-structure, a' tube connecting the-hendle-.bars, and spring-actuated lock- .bers mounted in seid tnbeend adopted -to engage with the l'ranlework to1 1hold the psu-.ts

unfolded-and .provided at their` inner ends With iingerrpiee'es.

14. lin a folding go-cart ori the alike, the

Clips erpliett to the .hain toem 'in presence of. twol Witnesses.

FRANK-F:nMMERHorF. [nel Witnesses:

E. TIMMnnHoFF, L. D..HALL 

